Table of contents

Your Promise: A Concrete 30/60/90 Day Plan
What is a 30/60/90 Day Plan and Why Does it Matter?
Phase 1: First 30 Days – Learning and Assessment
Phase 2: 60 Days – Planning and Prioritization
Phase 3: 90 Days – Execution and Impact
What a Hiring Manager Scans for in 15 Seconds
The Mistake That Quietly Kills Candidates
FAQ
More Assistant Professor resources

Assistant Professor: Your 30/60/90 Day Plan for a Strong Start

Assistant Professor: Your 30/60/90 Day Plan for Success

Starting a new role as an Assistant Professor can feel overwhelming. You’re expected to hit the ground running, establish your research, and contribute to the department – all while navigating a new environment. This isn’t just about surviving the first three months; it’s about setting yourself up for long-term success. This is not a generic onboarding guide; this plan is tailored specifically for Assistant Professors.

Your Promise: A Concrete 30/60/90 Day Plan

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear, actionable 30/60/90-day plan tailored to an Assistant Professor role. You’ll walk away with a checklist to prioritize tasks, a script for initial stakeholder meetings, and a framework to measure your progress. Applying this plan can help you establish a strong foundation, build key relationships, and demonstrate impact within your first three months. This isn’t just about understanding what to do; it’s about producing tangible results that position you for success.

30/60/90 Day Checklist: A prioritized checklist to guide your actions.
Stakeholder Introduction Script: A customizable script for initial meetings with key faculty and staff.
Research Assessment Framework: A framework to evaluate your current research projects and identify next steps.
Teaching Observation Checklist: A checklist to structure your observations of other faculty’s teaching.
Service Contribution Prioritization: A framework for choosing impactful committee and service roles.
Progress Measurement: A plan to track your progress and identify areas for adjustment.

What is a 30/60/90 Day Plan and Why Does it Matter?

A 30/60/90 day plan is a structured roadmap for your first three months in a new role. It outlines specific goals and actions, providing focus and direction. For an Assistant Professor, this plan is crucial because it helps you navigate the complex academic environment, prioritize competing demands, and quickly demonstrate your value to the department. For example, instead of vaguely aiming to “get to know the faculty,” the plan helps you proactively schedule meetings with key stakeholders to understand their priorities and build relationships.

Phase 1: First 30 Days – Learning and Assessment

The first 30 days are about absorbing information and assessing the landscape. Your primary focus should be on understanding the department’s culture, resources, and expectations. This involves active listening, asking insightful questions, and building relationships with key stakeholders. Think of this phase as a fact-finding mission to inform your subsequent actions.

30-Day Checklist

Meet with the Department Chair: Discuss expectations, goals, and performance metrics.
Meet with Key Faculty: Understand their research interests, teaching styles, and service contributions.
Review Departmental Documents: Familiarize yourself with the strategic plan, policies, and procedures.
Explore Research Resources: Identify available funding opportunities, equipment, and support staff.
Attend Department Meetings: Observe the dynamics and decision-making processes.
Familiarize Yourself with Teaching Resources: Explore available technologies, learning management systems, and support services.
Identify Potential Mentors: Seek out faculty members who can provide guidance and support.

Stakeholder Introduction Script

Use this script as a starting point when introducing yourself to faculty and staff:

Use this when you meet faculty and staff members for the first time.

Subject: Introduction – [Your Name], Assistant Professor

Dear [Stakeholder Name],

I’m [Your Name], the new Assistant Professor in [Department]. I’m excited to join the department and learn from your expertise.

I’m particularly interested in [mention a specific area related to their work]. I’d appreciate the opportunity to meet with you briefly to learn more about your work and the department’s priorities.

Would you be available for a short meeting sometime in the next few weeks?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Phase 2: 60 Days – Planning and Prioritization

The next 30 days (days 31-60) are focused on developing a plan and prioritizing your efforts. Based on your initial assessments, you’ll start formulating your research agenda, identifying teaching opportunities, and selecting service contributions. This phase requires strategic thinking, goal setting, and effective time management. The key is to translate your initial learning into concrete actions.

Research Assessment Framework

Use this framework to evaluate your current research projects and identify next steps:

Project 1: [Project Title]
Status: [Ongoing, Planned, Completed]
Potential Funding Sources: [List potential grants or funding opportunities]
Collaboration Opportunities: [Identify potential collaborators within the department or externally]
Timeline: [Develop a realistic timeline for completion]
Metrics for Success: [Define measurable outcomes, such as publications, presentations, or grant submissions]

Teaching Observation Checklist

Use this checklist to structure your observations of other faculty’s teaching:

Course: [Course Name]
Instructor: [Instructor Name]
Teaching Style: [Lecture, Discussion, Active Learning]
Student Engagement: [Observe student participation and interaction]
Use of Technology: [Note the effective use of technology in the classroom]
Assessment Methods: [Identify different assessment methods used by the instructor]
Key Takeaways: [Document what you learned from the observation]

Phase 3: 90 Days – Execution and Impact

The final 30 days (days 61-90) are all about execution and demonstrating impact. You’ll begin implementing your research plan, actively participating in teaching activities, and contributing to departmental service. This phase requires consistent effort, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. The goal is to show tangible progress and establish yourself as a valuable member of the department.

Service Contribution Prioritization

Use this framework to prioritize your service contributions:

Committee 1: [Committee Name]
Relevance to Your Goals: [How does this committee align with your research, teaching, or professional development goals?]
Time Commitment: [Estimate the time required for participation]
Impact Potential: [Assess the potential impact of your contributions]
Decision: [Accept, Decline, Consider]

Progress Measurement

Track your progress using these metrics:

Research: Number of grant submissions, publications, and presentations.
Teaching: Student feedback scores, course evaluations, and teaching observations.
Service: Committee participation, contributions to departmental initiatives, and outreach activities.

What a Hiring Manager Scans for in 15 Seconds

Hiring managers quickly assess if you’ve understood the unique challenges of the Assistant Professor position. They look for evidence of proactivity, strategic thinking, and a commitment to both research and teaching. They want to see that you’re not just academically qualified, but also prepared to navigate the complexities of an academic career.

Clear Research Agenda: A well-defined research plan with potential funding sources.
Teaching Experience: Evidence of effective teaching strategies and positive student feedback.
Service Contributions: A willingness to participate in departmental service activities.
Collaboration Skills: The ability to work effectively with colleagues and students.
Communication Skills: Clear and concise communication, both written and verbal.

The Mistake That Quietly Kills Candidates

Failing to proactively engage with faculty and staff can be a fatal mistake. Many new Assistant Professors make the error of isolating themselves, focusing solely on their research or teaching. This can lead to missed opportunities, misunderstandings, and a lack of support. The fix is to actively seek out collaborations, attend departmental events, and build relationships with colleagues. Use the stakeholder introduction script provided to start conversations.

Use this when you are struggling to connect with colleagues.

Subject: Checking In – [Your Name]
Hi [Colleague’s Name],

I wanted to reach out and see if you’re available for a quick chat sometime this week. I’m working on [briefly mention a project] and would love to get your perspective on [specific aspect].

Best,
[Your Name]

FAQ

What if I don’t have a clear research agenda yet?

Focus on exploring potential research areas and identifying funding opportunities. Attend seminars, read relevant publications, and network with researchers in your field. Use the research assessment framework to start brainstorming project ideas.

How do I balance teaching, research, and service?

Prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Set realistic goals, delegate when possible, and learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your priorities. Effective time management and organization are essential.

What if I’m struggling with a particular teaching challenge?

Seek advice from experienced faculty members, attend teaching workshops, and explore available teaching resources. Consider observing other faculty’s teaching to gain insights and new strategies.

How do I build relationships with students?

Be approachable, create a welcoming classroom environment, and provide timely feedback. Learn students’ names, encourage participation, and offer support outside of class.

What if I disagree with a departmental policy?

Express your concerns respectfully and professionally. Gather evidence to support your position and propose alternative solutions. Focus on finding common ground and working collaboratively to improve the department.

How do I handle conflicts with colleagues?

Address conflicts directly and respectfully. Listen to the other person’s perspective, try to understand their concerns, and find mutually agreeable solutions. Seek mediation from the Department Chair if necessary.

What if I’m not getting enough feedback from my Department Chair?

Proactively request feedback and schedule regular meetings. Prepare specific questions and be open to constructive criticism. Use the feedback to improve your performance and demonstrate your commitment to growth.

How do I stay motivated and avoid burnout?

Set realistic goals, take breaks, and prioritize self-care. Find activities that you enjoy outside of work and make time for them regularly. Connect with colleagues and mentors for support and encouragement.

What are some common mistakes new Assistant Professors make?

Overcommitting to too many projects, neglecting teaching responsibilities, failing to seek mentorship, and isolating themselves from colleagues. Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your chances of success.

How important is it to publish in top-tier journals?

Publishing in top-tier journals is highly valued in academia. Focus on producing high-quality research and targeting publications that align with your field’s standards.

How can I improve my teaching effectiveness?

Experiment with different teaching strategies, gather student feedback, and reflect on your teaching practices. Attend teaching workshops and seek advice from experienced faculty members.

What role does service play in my career as an Assistant Professor?

Service contributions are an important part of academic citizenship. Choose committees and service roles that align with your interests and contribute to the department’s mission.